Note: In a career context, all numbers are restricted between 0 and 5. However, in a match context, the numbers are not restricted. For simplicity, we are changing the scale here in the report and expressing every Match Impact number as a percentage. The maximum percentage (100) is assigned to the highest impact player of the match. All other players in the match are scaled relative to him. Negative Match Impact indicates that not only did the player not contribute in the match, but he also had an adverse effect on his team’s chances.​​

At the end of Day 4 in Hamilton, New Zealand had South Africa on the ropes – the visitors were in more than a spot of bother at 76 for 5. However, with play called off on Day 5 (29 Mar) due to rain, South Africa got away with a draw and sealed the three-Test series 1-0.

Quinton de Kock emerged as the highest impact player of the third Test.

The 24-year old scored 105 runs in the match (90 and 15 not out), but it was his knock in South Africa’s first innings that proved crucial. De Kock walked in to bat at 148 for 5 and proceeded to steady the innings. He kept the scoreboard ticking, absorbed pressure and built partnerships. His was the ninth wicket to fall and by then the visiting team had fought their way to a respectable 295 before finally folding for 314.

De Kock had a role to play on the field too, courtesy his wicketkeeping and catching (his five catches gave him Fielding Impact).

Meanwhile, Kane Williamson pipped de Kock to finish as the highest impact batsman of the match for his masterful 176.

Matt Henry was the highest impact bowler for his match haul of five wickets (4 for 93 and 1 for 20) that included four top-middle order victims. He was very economical and finished as New Zealand’s highest impact player as well, edging out the all-round Colin de Grandhomme (2 for 62 & 1 for 15 and 57 runs) and skipper Williamson.

As many as six South Africans failed in the Hamilton Test while the home team had only two such players. And having traumatised South Africa over the years – especially at ICC events – the rain finally gave them something to cheer about.

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The following South African cricketers registered a Series-Defining performance in this series: Quinton de Kock, Morne Morkel, Keshav Maharaj and Temba Bavuma